Gippsland Rotary Centenary House (GRCH)
ABN: 26 883 085 367
Org No. A0045847H
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House (GRCH) is a community-based not-for-profit accommodation facility, for patients and their families who are attending the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre and Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH).
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House is registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria as an Incorporated Association and as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not For Profit Commission with tax deductible status.
The philosophy is to provide affordable, comfortable, supportive and secure accommodation so that the stress of travelling and treatment is minimised.
The facility comprises thirty large ‘motel style’ en suite units, two with full disabled access bathrooms. Communal kitchens, dining areas and lounges, ‘Quiet Room’ for family consultation and privacy, reading area, secure playground and community room are also part of the complex.
This project was initiated by Gippsland Rotary Clubs to mark the Centenary of Rotary International, and has attracted broad community support and representation throughout Gippsland. Funds have been raised through community fundraising, applications to philanthropic trusts, sponsorship and donations in kind.
The first stage with six rooms was opened September 2006 by The Hon Peter McGauran, Member for Gippsland and Brendan Jenkins MLA, Member for Morwell. Two additional rooms were converted into guest accommodation in 2008.
A second stage comprising an additional nine rooms was built late 2011 and opened November 2012 by Rotary International District 9820 Governor Tony Spring. Russell Northe, Member for Morwell planted a tree at the ceremony which was also attended by Darren Chester MP, Member for Gippsland.
The third stage includes thirteen guest rooms and was opened by Darren Chester MP, Member for Gippsland in June 2019.
Centenary Of Rotary International
In 2005 Rotary International celebrated the 100th anniversary of the organisation and asked Rotarians to set up projects to commemorate the event. Gippsland Rotary Centenary House was a Rotary Centennial Community Project initiated by the Latrobe Group of Rotary Clubs of Rotary International District 9820. The clubs included in the Latrobe Group at that time were the Rotary Clubs of Drouin, Hazelwood, Mirboo North, Moe, Morwell, Trafalgar, Traralgon, Traralgon Central and Warragul.